Trey Sofio
Louisiana Scouting Director

Follow us on Twitter: @PBR_Louisiana

In preparation for the 2015 season, Prep Baseball Report Louisiana is pleased to unveil its preseason Power 25 list of teams from every corner and every classification in the state of Louisiana. We take a deeper look at the teams that rank in the top five, followed by the rest of the Power 25.

1. St. Thomas Moore HS (Lafayette, LA), 4A
   The perennial powerhouse is looking to repeat as state champions after a fantastic 2014 season. Although they lost some big time thump in their lineup in Chase Vallot, who was drafted 40^th overall in the 2014 MLB Draft, the Cougars have plenty of talent returning. Led by Hogan Harris, ranked No. 2 in the state, O’Neal Lochridge, No. 5 in the state, and Brennan Breaux, No. 8 in the state, St. Thomas Moore has an abundance of talent. Add in some underclass talent like Christian Leonard and the Cougars are once again the favorite to win it all. If the talented junior Mason Templet makes his return sooner than expected, the lineup will become infinitely deeper than it already is.
2. Barbe HS (Lake Charles, LA), 5A
   After an historical 2014 season which saw the Barbe Bucs take home, not only a state championship, but also a national championship, the Bucs shift their focus to the 2015 campaign. The recently named head coach of the 18U USA baseball squad, Glenn Cecchini, looks to replace numerous impact starters off the 2014 squad. Led by seniors Braden Comeaux, TCU commit and ranked No. 9 in the state, as well as McNeese State signee Shane Selman, ranked No. 19 in state, the Bucs have some returning stars to lead a group of newcomers to the stage. Sophomores like the left-handed ace Adam Goree and athletic middle infielder Kirkland Banks will undoubtedly have much larger roles this upcoming spring.
3. Jesuit HS (New Orleans, LA), 5A
   Perhaps one of the best programs in the southern United States, as well as the most storied and consistent program in the state, it should come as no shock that Blue Jays are expected to contend again this year. It is an often overused statement, but it is nonetheless very descriptive of the Jays, “they don’t rebuild, they reload.” There has been no hint that the 2015 Blue Jay squad will stray from their script of playing sound defense, throwing strikes, and having quality team at-bats throughout the lineup. However, this year Coach Latino has some legitimate prospects that have next level ability, especially in the 2016 and 2017 classes. Sophomores Nick Ray and Stephen Sepcich are both physical, athletic outfielders that have advanced ability. Ray is 6-foot-2, 180-pounds with broad shoulders, room to grow and has legitimate centerfield tools. Sepcich has come on the scene this winter with his 6-foot-2, 190-pound lean muscular frame and shown lighting quick bat speed with a strong throwing arm from the outfield. On the mound, the Blue Jays are led by senior Jack Burk, who is looking to bounce back after an injury riddled junior season. The 6-foot-4 right-hander can run it up in the high 80s with quality secondary stuff when he is right. Junior right-hander Sean Bretz is another interesting arm at 6-foot-5 with a clean, easy 85-87 mph and advanced changeup.
4. Ouachita Christian HS (Monroe, LA) 1A
   Maybe the first surprise of the rankings is the small 1A school out of Monroe. But don’t let their classification fool you, they have some serious ability, proven last year as they found themselves as the number one seed heading into the playoffs, only to lose in the quarterfinals. Led on the mound by uncommitted 6-foot-5 junior right-hander, Aaron George. OCS will have a legit ace, as George will run it up in the high 80s with serious tilt and angle, as well as show quality secondary stuff. Juniors Jake Slaughter and Ryan Reynolds, LSU and Texas commits respectively, should provide much of the offensive firepower. Reynolds has plus bat speed, strength and big power as a switch hitter, while Slaughter hit .450 with 7 HR and 20 SB as a sophomore shortstop.
5. Brother Martin HS (New Orleans, LA) 5A
   After heading into the playoffs last year as the number two seed, only to be upset by Live Oak in the quarterfinals, the Crusaders look to replace star infielder Greg Deichman, who has since moved on to Louisiana State. Possibly one of the deeper pitching staffs the New Orleans area has seen in some time, Brother Martin will rely heavily on three arms and try to scratch runs across. Senior right-hander and Southeastern commit Corey Gaconi leads the Crusaders on the mound once again, as it seems like he has been winning games for Brother Martin for the better half of a decade. The 6-foot-4 Gaconi has seen a jump in velocity pitching in the mid to upper 80s, and still pounds the strike zone. Electric junior left-hander and LSU commit, Blair Frederick, who has yet to see much mound time, has lights out stuff. He will pitch in the upper 80s and touch the low 90s with life, sink, and an exploding, swing and miss slider. Another junior, who has emerged late this winter and yet to see much mound time is Tulane commit Keagan Gillies. The 6-foot-8 right-hander will pitch in the mid 80s with late cutting action and severe tilt and angle. He also adds a devastating curveball with 12/6 shape, tight spin and late downer action at 72-75 mph.
   
   To see the rest of the Power 25 rankings please click here. Also please keep an eye out as Prep Baseball Report Louisiana will begin a schedule of events once the spring season concludes.